Internet Desk: There is a big question mark over Delhi staging the U’17 World Cup matches in October.
FIFA has raised their concern to stage the matches in the capital because of concerns over smog in the world’s most polluted city.
According to Tournament Director, Javier Ceppi, the air quality in Delhi was a “serious concern”, particularly after the Diwali festival which this year falls in October — the month the tournament will be held.
“The match schedule is not finalised yet. One of the reasons for that is the pollution. And pollution in Delhi is a serious concern,” the FIFA official said.
“You cannot reduce pollution from one day to the next, to the amount that would need to be reduced for hosting games,” Ceppi added.
FIFA announced in 2013 that India would be the host nation for the U-17 World Cup, to be held in six cities across the country including Delhi. The other five centres were Kolkata, Goa, Kochi, Mumbai and Guwahati.
Last year saw record pollution levels in Delhi around Diwali, forcing the Ranji Trophy match between Bengal and Gujarat to be called off without a ball being rolled. The schools also remained closed as authorities ordered a series of emergency measures to try to ease the crisis, including a temporary ban on construction.
It goes to be seen if the World Football governing body considers staging the FIFA U’17 World Cup matches in Delhi.